tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57432289790516877562016-09-27T04:56:44.122-05:00one day at a timeshared stories of a sweet familyamy jupinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03950664598348845531noreply@blogger.comBlogger1041125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743228979051687756.post-67302141164275289402015-08-10T18:59:00.000-05:002015-08-10T18:59:14.691-05:00a miracle for vasya.<div class="MsoNormal">It’s been a long time for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">I haven’t visited this little sad blog in a long time and it feels strange to be here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">But today I have good reason to blow the proverbial dust off this lonely place and tap my fingers on the keyboard once again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">The tide has changed and our family’s story has again taken another turn.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; *****</div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal">A few weeks ago, I read a fb post from a friend named Sara.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">She posted pictures of her beautiful “daughter”—the little girl she loves who is stuck in a Russian orphanage with our Davis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">I looked at the pictures and my fingers immediately typed in the web address for the orphanage website.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">My heart searched for new photos of Davis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>No luck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">Then immediately I searched the Russian orphan database where his photo has been removed for months. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">No update, no such child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">Heart heavy and filled with concern, I then turned back to my friend Sara.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">I messaged her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">She has connections in Russia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">Could she possibly find an updated photo of my boy for me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">I need to know he’s ok.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">He may have been transferred (to a mental institution) and I need to know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">I just need to know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">We are kindred spirits—having lived the same nightmare, she gets it completely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">She messaged me almost immediately and inquired, “Would you like me to ask my Russian friend to help?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sunday morning Sara messaged me again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">My phone buzzed on the kitchen island and I lazily glanced at it while Michael and I were chatting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">I stopped mid-sentence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">I slid my finger over her name on my phone and began reading:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><span class="5yl5"><span style="color: #141823;">“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A reply from my friend Irina in Tver: "And its especially so at your request to learn about the boy Vasya, I was immensely pleased to hear from the director of the orphanage, that the boy was indeed in a period of time with them, but now parents are restored in their rights and the boy soon will in its complete family, with relatives his mom and dad!!!"”</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><span class="5yl5"><span style="color: #141823;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">The tears came immediately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">I reread the message.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">And again. And again.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Could I possibly be reading this correctly?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Davis (Vasya) is going to live with his biological parents!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">After signing away their rights so we could adopt him, they have worked to have them restored.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">He will no longer be at the orphanage, he will live with his “complete family!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">You guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Can you even? <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Cue the ugly cry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">Times ten thousand.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have written a million times about my agony, my pain, my deep, dark sadness over losing Davis. &nbsp;You all have shared that with me—there and back again.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal">Now, please join me in PRAISE and PRAYER as Davis’ family takes this incredibly brave decision to reunite their son with his rightful family!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">God, the true redeemer, the wish granter, my loving father, has worked a MIRACLE.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">I stand in awe of the details, the way He crafted this story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">All of the clichés are TRUTH.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">God’s great timing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">When He’s doing one thing, He’s doing a hundred others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">He hears our cries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">He is faithful to those who believe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">He sets the lonely in families. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Davis has a family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">He is loved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">He is chosen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">And my dream has come true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">My sweet baby has his family.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages> <o:Words>556</o:Words> <o:Characters>2551</o:Characters> <o:Company>JJ</o:Company> <o:Lines>91</o:Lines> <o:Paragraphs>54</o:Paragraphs> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>3053</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:Version>14.0</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings></xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> 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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/> </w:LatentStyles></xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]><style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style><![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <!--EndFragment--><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Vz26LoLbAw/Vck5mjBQAKI/AAAAAAAAL0M/vSDPKGE6x_E/s1600/26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Vz26LoLbAw/Vck5mjBQAKI/AAAAAAAAL0M/vSDPKGE6x_E/s640/26.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We will always cherish and choose Davis.<br />Today we give thanks to God for this amazing blessing!<br /><o:p></o:p></div>amy jupinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03950664598348845531noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743228979051687756.post-27685489877212561792014-11-06T09:11:00.000-06:002014-11-06T09:11:02.683-06:00faith the size of a mustard seed.<div class="MsoNormal">I’m sitting alone in the living room of an apartment somewhere in Eastern Europe.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">How I got here I don’t know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Well, of course I know HOW I got here—I took plane ride after plane ride, tried to sleep, tried to eat, repeat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>But I really don’t know how I got here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>It’s been a long ride, this journey of adoption.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And I know I write that as if I’m on the other side of it, as if it’s over already which it’s not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>But in many ways, my journey has been as much about ending as it is beginning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>My heart aches this morning for a sweet little orphan boy in a remote region of Russia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>If I close my eyes I can still see Davis’ smile and feel his arms around me as he hugged my neck so, so tightly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I can feel my hands rub over his freshly shaved hair and see his sweet eyes twinkle while we sang and laughed and I snapped photos of him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>He is alive in me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And so it is quite ironic and heartbreaking that I am in another country waiting anxiously to receive a referral for a different child that I hope to make my son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I am as eager as I am fearful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>My heart is again open and laid bare, and again, able to be crushed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>But FAITH.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Faith is a very strong and undeniable thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>The day before I got on all of those planes, I laid in bed with my only daughter and we talked about faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>How can you go even when you are afraid?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>How can you still love when you’re heart has been broken?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>How can you still risk when all seems lost?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>How can you continue on when it would be so much easier to stay put?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Faith--faith the size of a mustard seed at times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>But that’s all it takes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>You don’t have to be sure or certain but you must have a teensy tiny amount of faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Faith is what propels us forward and gives us courage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Faith is that glimmer of hope when everything else says, “Impossible!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Faith will revive you, grab you by the hand and get you on that plane.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I sit here on this sofa surrounded by unfamiliar sounds and smells, my stomach rumbling and my head racing, already longing for my own bed and my children back at home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Yet I know that this right here, right now, is the stuff of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>My discomfort and rumbling stomach are merely signs of my physical sacrifice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Adoption is a process of sacrifice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I am sacrificing my comfy life, my comfy normal, my comfy bank account for the good of another human being. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>And it’s nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Truly, when I think about what Christ did for me, for all of us, what I’m doing is nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>But it’s something, right?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I have to believe that this fight I’m living is for something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Even the fight I lived for Davis is for something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Because God is with me here in this apartment, fighting along side with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>God is with Jude in his orphanage, preparing his heart to meet us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>God is with Davis, sustaining him, with my children who miss us, my parents who are working so hard to take care of them for us, with you even as you read this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>He is working in each of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I truly believe that there is so much Good Work being done all the time that we couldn’t possibly begin to understand the enormity of it all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Our lives are intertwined and overlapping and our stories each contain threads that are woven into this great, beautiful tapestry that we can’t humanly comprehend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;Those things we claim to be ironic, coincidental, those times we say "what a small world!"...all part of the tapestry.</span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I just woke John up and explained the dos and don’t of taking a shower in the bathroom here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>He’s yawning and unimpressed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Doesn’t he realize that I’ve spent the morning wrestling my anxieties and writing all these deep thoughts?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Nope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; He isn't interested. &nbsp;</span>But he does say to me, “I hope Cindy’s alarm went off on time.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Cindy is a woman we met yesterday that was boarding a train at 6:00 this morning to go rescue two orphans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>She is a woman with a story as long, as twisting, as full of disappointments and heartache as anyone, but her grit and her resolve impressed us both.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>She has an enviable relationship with God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And I imagine that He knew exactly what He was doing when our plane showed up two hours late and we shared a driver from the airport into the city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>It was no accident that she shared her story of losing a little girl from Russia during the ban and how she came to the crossroads of adoption yet again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>It most certainly wasn’t a mistake that we went to dinner together and walked her back to her apartment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Three strangers in a strange new city, yet last night, the world felt smaller, together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Cindy is a part of our story now. &nbsp;She was a gift to us, a gift of reassurance and hope and friendship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I pray that the Lord will bless her tomorrow as she heads to court for the parental rights of two special needs orphans who desperately need her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Lord, be with all of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Our DAP appointment is in an hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>We expect it to be short, just a few minutes, as we receive our referral for Jude, the very first step here towards making him our son. We expect our driver soon so I’m off to find clean socks and unpack my boots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>The day awaits.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div>amy jupinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03950664598348845531noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743228979051687756.post-52794500010338892322014-10-21T19:11:00.000-05:002014-10-21T19:11:18.583-05:00jude: an adoption update and an auction!way back in january <a href="http://jupinfamily.blogspot.com/2014/03/when-you-must-move.html" target="_blank">we committed to a little boy named jude</a>.<br />we blogged about it in march.<br />remember way back when?<br /><br />well we have been busy and things have been progressing!<br />we completed our paperwork in may and were invited to travel in august.<br />unfortunately jude's paperwork wasn't ready when we were, so we are now requesting travel for november.<br />did you catch that?! <br />we are requesting to travel in just a <u><b>few short weeks</b></u>!<br /><br />in fact, he has already begun his required TB testing this week!<br />AND just to send our happy meter off the charts, last thursday, he was told he has a family.<br />i can't even imagine his thoughts, his excitement, his emotions!!<br />it's almost too much to handle, isn't it?!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RUviWMvNjrk/VEbyxPoVX0I/AAAAAAAALyU/2DrX6xA6cJE/s1600/photo-14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RUviWMvNjrk/VEbyxPoVX0I/AAAAAAAALyU/2DrX6xA6cJE/s1600/photo-14.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />now that we are getting so much closer, it's time for some fundraising!<br />i'll admit, i'm nervous about this part.<br />when we tried to adopt our sweet davis boy, we raised about $13,000. <br />our russian adoption expenses took every last penny and then some.<br />so when we began this adoption we knew that money was gone.<br />we have paid for all of our expenses so far but in the next few months, our needs are going to grow exponentially.<br />airfare alone for one trip is running around $4500--and we have to take 2-3 trips depending on when we are assigned a court date!<br />we need help. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3ie3xGpeSvA/VEbzFnRWxfI/AAAAAAAALyc/brSlgn1U2Jg/s1600/photo-15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3ie3xGpeSvA/VEbzFnRWxfI/AAAAAAAALyc/brSlgn1U2Jg/s1600/photo-15.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />our first fundraiser is an instagram auction TOMORROW!! (from 1-9 pm)<br />so many INCREDIBLE items have been donated to help us!<br />we would be honored if you would check it out and bid on some awesome stuff!<br />100% of the money raised goes directly to our adoption fund.<br />every last cent.<br />praise Jesus!<br />all you have to do is go to the instagram app and follow <b>@auctionforjude</b> for all the details!<br />i'll post some pics here tomorrow to remind/tease ya! ;)<br /><br />i can't end this post without thanking all of the shops and lovely ladies who have generously supported us for this auction.<br />even if we don't raise a dime, we feel so blessed.<br />xo!<br /><br /><br />amy jupinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03950664598348845531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743228979051687756.post-14936981944009370352014-09-14T17:55:00.001-05:002014-09-14T17:55:38.820-05:00it's only been six months.let's get this blog updated why don't we!<br /><br />let's start with the obvious: &nbsp;i am still healing.<br />it is taking much, much longer than i ever expected.<br />and if i'm being completely honest with you, i still look at davis' picture almost every day.<br />i look straight into his little face and i apologize for failing him.<br />that's how i feel--like i could have worked harder or completed my paperwork faster or pushed myself in some other way--to get to him faster.<br />i almost can't believe it all happened, like it's a bad nightmare that i can't seem to shake.<br />i'm working on it.<br /><br />we received our invitation to travel to jude's country in early august.<br />unfortunately, his paperwork was not ready yet so we had to miss our appointment.<br />major bummer.<br />we hope to be able to travel in november now!<br />deep breath and fingers crossed!<br />if you could pray for putin to go away and leave all neighboring countries alone forever, i would be so grateful.<br /><br />so many wonderful things have been happening in our family.<br />the children all returned to school! &nbsp;(see what i mean? &nbsp;wonderful!)<br />josh started middle school/junior high and has amazed me with how well he transitioned.<br />he is such a good kid, even though he struggles with keeping up with his homework and helping out around the house. <br />but then again, what 12 year old doesn't, right?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MSk2UGVOBKI/VBYY8AqSqDI/AAAAAAAALx8/9pFtptgX2A4/s1600/IMG_3775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MSk2UGVOBKI/VBYY8AqSqDI/AAAAAAAALx8/9pFtptgX2A4/s800/IMG_3775.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Ehb48VvQqA/VBYY2k_mExI/AAAAAAAALxk/DIndB434XYE/s1600/IMG_3458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Ehb48VvQqA/VBYY2k_mExI/AAAAAAAALxk/DIndB434XYE/s800/IMG_3458.jpg" /></a></div><br />anna started fifth grade and is doing great.<br />she is crazy about her science class and the fact that she recently was named the class "reptile manager".<br />perfect.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XgyDN3p56Sc/VBYY-ANVYGI/AAAAAAAALyE/p396Fk_eWKk/s1600/IMG_3776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XgyDN3p56Sc/VBYY-ANVYGI/AAAAAAAALyE/p396Fk_eWKk/s800/IMG_3776.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OtGyn-7GWEc/VBYY6OSk3YI/AAAAAAAALxs/M1YZz1ctvZw/s1600/IMG_3755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OtGyn-7GWEc/VBYY6OSk3YI/AAAAAAAALxs/M1YZz1ctvZw/s800/IMG_3755.jpg" /></a></div><br />like josh, ben changed schools too, continuing with our city's special education program.<br />the first week or so was Rough.<br />with a capital R.<br />but now, oh man. <br />now, he's found his groove and he is loving his new class.<br />we have all settled in and it feels so good to be back in a rhythm again.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rCYE2aHbdK8/VBYY0Vyd4CI/AAAAAAAALxY/ro93RkF93Cc/s1600/IMG_3717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rCYE2aHbdK8/VBYY0Vyd4CI/AAAAAAAALxY/ro93RkF93Cc/s800/IMG_3717.JPG" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QN2AAIAuo64/VBYYz3G6EXI/AAAAAAAALxU/KGEelgHw8E8/s1600/IMG_3470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QN2AAIAuo64/VBYYz3G6EXI/AAAAAAAALxU/KGEelgHw8E8/s800/IMG_3470.JPG" /></a><br /><br />john is going back to school to get another master's degree.<br />overachiever, that one.<br />i can barely find enough energy to get a shower every day.<br />he's out getting degrees.<br />nuts.<br /><br />we got a new dog.<br />his name is tater and he's a goof ball.<br />i think i like him.<br />even though he pees all over my house and i keep repeating, "why can't i have anything nice?!!"<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tvCKUDkQn_E/VBYY7GT7DwI/AAAAAAAALx0/ObHbzGOvgXg/s1600/IMG_3736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tvCKUDkQn_E/VBYY7GT7DwI/AAAAAAAALx0/ObHbzGOvgXg/s800/IMG_3736.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6gqektlWMZU/VBYYYiskoFI/AAAAAAAALwc/wKPDXhmmu7I/s1600/IMG_3623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6gqektlWMZU/VBYYYiskoFI/AAAAAAAALwc/wKPDXhmmu7I/s800/IMG_3623.JPG" /></a></div><br />miss kitty still isn't sure about him*.<br />he pounces on her every chance he can get.<br />*might have something to do with it.<br /><br />i'm getting tired of typing (tragedy! i've obviously lost my blogging stamina!).<br />so quickly...<br />josh quit football. &nbsp;(too much practicing, all the days and nights.......)<br />anna is playing volleyball (loves it. &nbsp;she's a beast.)<br />ben is playing soccer (so far -- meh.)<br />i still wanna own my own store. (no $. story of my life.)<br />i'm obsessed with the show fixer upper.<br />joanna gaines. <br />oh my lawd.<br /><br />i think that's about it.<br />it's just a little summary that i'm not really proud of but hey, i wrote it.<br />and we lived it.<br />and now i'm gonna hit publish and give myself some grace.<br /><br /><br />amy jupinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03950664598348845531noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743228979051687756.post-64105381119522472872014-03-30T09:28:00.003-05:002014-03-30T09:28:56.101-05:00he's a hugger.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFjr7FpI3QU/UzgpKMrwxUI/AAAAAAAAKMY/adlwR0U-5Cc/s1600/photo+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFjr7FpI3QU/UzgpKMrwxUI/AAAAAAAAKMY/adlwR0U-5Cc/s800/photo+3.jpg" /></a></div><br />we just got back from a week at the beach.<br />the weather was weird, every day was something different and much cooler then we had hoped.<br />still, we were all together and at a place that we love, so there were still many memories made.<br /><br />for me, one thing i want to remember, is ben giving out hugs on the boardwalk in orange beach.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-haYrWDQESQA/Uzgo-Jx5L0I/AAAAAAAAKMQ/HAsZpOvEh8Y/s1600/photo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-haYrWDQESQA/Uzgo-Jx5L0I/AAAAAAAAKMQ/HAsZpOvEh8Y/s800/photo+2.jpg" /></a></div><br />we were walking out to the beach and ben chose the longest path for us to take. <br />it was warm and a little sunny and ben and anna were barreling down the walkway, giddy to be heading to the beach.<br />there weren't many people walking out but a few walking back. <br />ben ran up to each one and hugged them, all the while i was apologizing, "i'm sorry, please excuse us..."<br />no one seemed to mind but i really wanted ben to just let them pass by.<br /><br />right before we reached the end of the walkway, an older man was approaching and ben was so enthusiastic about hugging him.<br />the man smiled so big and hugged ben right back.<br />i did my usual, "sorry!" and he stopped quickly.<br />"for what?" he asked.<br />"some people are bothered by him so i..." i fumbled.<br />"well, that's THEIR problem!" he said smiling and reached down to hug ben again.<br /><br />by now we were at the beach so we all ran down and played with our children and i kept thinking about what that man said.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ykj_SAANUs4/UzgpatwMM0I/AAAAAAAAKMg/eEEM2pR3Qc8/s1600/photo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ykj_SAANUs4/UzgpatwMM0I/AAAAAAAAKMg/eEEM2pR3Qc8/s800/photo+1.jpg" /></a></div><br />when we were ready to leave and head back to our car, we once again had to make our way back on the long boardwalk.<br />ben and anna ran ahead of us once again and this time, when ben hugged each person on our way back, i didn't apologize. <br />i watched instead.<br /><br />and i saw each person smile and hug him back and it was almost as if he brought out something sweet and kind in each one of them.<br />when he approached them, at first they didn't quite know what to do.<br />but then he would wrap his little arms around them and each person couldn't help but smile. &nbsp;and giggle. <br />and laugh. <br />but mostly smile.<br /><br />ben was spreading love and acceptance up and down that entire beach all by himself.<br /><br />and instead of apologizing, i said things like, "he's a hugger!", "he always hugs the prettiest girls!", "you're next!"<br /><br />and it was so much fun letting my son be exactly who he wanted to be.<br />and enjoying him.<br />and that is a memory that i hope i never, ever forget.<br /><br />it changed me.<br /><div><br /></div>amy jupinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03950664598348845531noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743228979051687756.post-61859050608139548902014-03-19T19:01:00.001-05:002014-03-19T19:01:11.266-05:00our warrior and our first giveaway!a week or two ago i received a beautiful surprise.<br />our family was assigned a "family warrior"-- a fellow adopting momma with battle scars of her own who stepped up to advocate for us and help us raise the ransom for jude.<br />i mean really, isn't that just amazing?<br /><br />she sent me a lovely note and also an offer to do a giveaway for a <a href="http://welovelucyadoption.blogspot.com/2014/03/easter-fundraiser.html" target="_blank">felt easter banner</a>&nbsp;and devotional book that she herself made.<br />click over to her <a href="http://welovelucyadoption.blogspot.com/2014/03/easter-fundraiser.html" target="_blank">blog</a>&nbsp;and check out all the details! <br />it is so beautifully made, so special, and such a wonderful way to share the true meaning of easter with your kiddos.<br />(i just can't seem to find the words of how grateful i am, tanna!)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Spz4wNQTAe0/UyotddXcujI/AAAAAAAAKLc/W0XazHrOGgc/s1600/DSCN6086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Spz4wNQTAe0/UyotddXcujI/AAAAAAAAKLc/W0XazHrOGgc/s1600/DSCN6086.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rCyMGJM1GIM/UyoteEbquWI/AAAAAAAAKL0/UZJbGtdivZ4/s1600/DSCN6093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rCyMGJM1GIM/UyoteEbquWI/AAAAAAAAKL0/UZJbGtdivZ4/s1600/DSCN6093.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JNE3o4CZgBM/Uyotdgzrp4I/AAAAAAAAKLs/1-E-Aj72mfw/s1600/DSCN6091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JNE3o4CZgBM/Uyotdgzrp4I/AAAAAAAAKLs/1-E-Aj72mfw/s1600/DSCN6091.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qGTehsATw5Y/Uyotc9dctoI/AAAAAAAAKLY/2XVwPjk6p_4/s1600/DSCN6088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qGTehsATw5Y/Uyotc9dctoI/AAAAAAAAKLY/2XVwPjk6p_4/s1600/DSCN6088.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kDSckQxwT84/UyotdcksyOI/AAAAAAAAKLg/tw-7zMWdBWQ/s1600/DSCN6089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kDSckQxwT84/UyotdcksyOI/AAAAAAAAKLg/tw-7zMWdBWQ/s1600/DSCN6089.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />so, here's the deets:<br />if you would like a chance to win one of tanna's beautiful felt easter banners and devotional book, please donate $5 or more to our r<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/69156/sponsorjupin" target="_blank">eece's rainbow account</a> and leave me a comment here saying you did so.<br /><br />please share on fb, instagram, twitter, your own blog, etc.<br />if you do, leave me another comment and i will throw your name in the hat for another chance.<br /><br />that's it.<br />simple simple.<br />i will pick a winner next wednesday, march 26th (ben boy's birthday!).<br /><br />thank you TANNA! and thank you friends for all of your love and blessings!<br /><br /><br /><br />amy jupinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03950664598348845531noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743228979051687756.post-40161115568601856772014-03-13T13:02:00.002-05:002014-03-13T13:02:25.429-05:00when you must move.It’s been one year and three months since we last saw Davis.<br />It’s been a time of confusion, sadness, pain, and darkness.<br />We ache to understand why the door was closed on us.<br />And I feel like writing this over and over again on the blog does nothing to relieve that pain so I just stopped.<br /><br />Over this time though, we’ve been forced to look back and remember specifically why we were drawn to adoption in the first place.<br />Was it just to save one child, Davis, or was it just to save a child, any child, one of the hundreds of thousands without a family?<br />Truthfully, there were many times we said “it is only Davis or nothing”—our hearts still raw and the wounds still fresh from a failed adoption.<br />But slowly, ever so carefully, God reminded us,<br /><b><br /></b><b>“<i>Draw near to me, hold on to me, don’t lose Hope, persevere.” Hebrews 10:22-23</i></b><br /><br />When we stopped allowing ourselves to listen only to our own pain, we remembered the pains of thousands, the stories of the lonely and forgotten, the reason we chose adoption in the first place.<br /><br />Rescue.<br /><br />Redemption.<br /><br />Freedom.<br /><br />Love.<br /><br />Last summer we decided we still wanted adoption to be a part of our story.<br />Love still wins. Period.<br />We still choose Davis, always, but that situation is out of our hands.<br /><br />&nbsp; <b><i>“We need to do what we can do and let God do what we cannot.” Joyce Meyer</i></b><br /><br />We began the search for another child in need, another child waiting for his turn to be CHOSEN.<br />With hearts open to whatever God was to put in our path, we waited.<br />And waited, and waited, and prayed, and with great patience, waited some more.<br /><br />Then one day, a message showed up on Facebook.<br />&nbsp;“He looks like a Jupin to me.”<br />Through a series of notes between friends we quickly learned of a bright young man who asks every day, “Are you my family? Please tell me about my family. &nbsp;I want a family too.”<br />His story touched us all and broke our hearts all over again.<br />He has been overlooked for his entire life, abandoned, rejected…yet he bravely asks for his greatest desire—a family.<br />I cannot imagine his courage yet I share his desperation.<br /><br />Together, with the children, we decided YES! we can do this.<br />He will be ours, a part of our story and our family, &nbsp;Lord willing.<br />Fast forward to today and the paperwork consumes us yet again and we are *this* close to finishing our dossier.<br />We await approval from USCIS and once that comes, we await submittal to his country.<br /><br />Please allow me to formally introduce you to <a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/69156/sponsorjupin">“Jude”.&nbsp;</a><br />He will most certainly have a different name but we will refer to him as Jude here.<br /><br />From what we’ve learned, he’s quite a character and as sweet as they come.<br />We can't wait to meet him.<br /><br />You may see more of me here in the next few months.<br />I have a guarded heart full of emotions and words that struggle to make it to the page, but I think writing will be an important part of our journey.<br />I am scared, I am afraid of failure once again, but life is full of disappointments, many as big as what we’ve endured.<br />Many even bigger.<br /><br />We have Hope, we will persevere IN FAITH.<br />We covet your prayers and well wishes.<br /><br />Sorry, adoption blog trolls, your comments are not welcome here and will be deleted in a heart beat. Save your energy for someone else.<br /><br />With Love Always,<br />Amyamy jupinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03950664598348845531noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743228979051687756.post-14033041565250422642014-01-22T21:03:00.001-06:002014-01-22T21:03:56.544-06:00more goodness.another quick list.<br /><br />--i am loving american idol. <br />of course i am.<br />harry's owning it.<br />and harry is my favorite.<br />you know that.<br /><br />--i forgot to mention the blog <a href="http://crannyandme.com/" target="_blank">cranny and me</a> the other day.<br />today, her post moved me beyond words.<br />it was just perfect.<br /><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: justify;">I'd like to banish the idea that ministry, or marriage, or life, has a honeymoon stage. If we are honest, we know, we&nbsp;</span><i style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: justify;">absolutely know</i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: justify;">&nbsp;that life will have its difficulties. And if we believe in the sovereignty of God, we also know that those deserts, those difficult times, are for our good and the glory of God as much as the mountain-top experiences."</span></span><br /><br />a million times yes.<br /><br />--and good night! have you read <a href="http://flowerpatchfarmgirl.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-truth-about-loneliness.html" target="_blank">this post</a> shannan wrote yesterday??<br />just so on point for exactly, precisely, scarily where i am and what i'm feeling.<br />creepy really.<br /><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"<i style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 26px; text-align: justify;">That&nbsp;</i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 26px; text-align: justify;">is where my pitiful humanity wrecks this gift of loneliness.&nbsp;Over and over, rather than fixing my eyes on the One who loves me best, I frantically scan the horizon-line for a jeans-and-sneaks&nbsp;</span><i style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 26px; text-align: justify;">person</i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 26px; text-align: justify;">&nbsp;to save me. "...</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 26px; text-align: justify;">"</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 26px; text-align: justify;">It is our unequivocal duty to love the lonely. We should be linking arms with the outcast, remembering that sometimes the outcast wears $200 jeans and drives and Audi. Sometimes the lonely sits in a nursing home, but she also sits next to us on the bleachers at gymnastics practice."</span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Arial Narrow', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 26px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 26px;">--and lastly, this, this and this. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 26px;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/amyjupin/listening/" target="_blank">(from here)</a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Arial Narrow', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 26px;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-12u2_KTwZVY/UuCErfMOhdI/AAAAAAAAKLA/0wbN76m-Fts/s1600/beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-12u2_KTwZVY/UuCErfMOhdI/AAAAAAAAKLA/0wbN76m-Fts/s640/beach.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YT6TMdY0Qhk/UuCErQdit7I/AAAAAAAAKK8/22c59jWNIe4/s1600/heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YT6TMdY0Qhk/UuCErQdit7I/AAAAAAAAKK8/22c59jWNIe4/s640/heart.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XiYje1iITTs/UuCErRO6tOI/AAAAAAAAKK4/GzKYxyyE2lY/s1600/value.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XiYje1iITTs/UuCErRO6tOI/AAAAAAAAKK4/GzKYxyyE2lY/s640/value.jpg" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div>amy jupinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03950664598348845531noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743228979051687756.post-22218180919275576572014-01-19T10:03:00.000-06:002014-01-19T10:03:37.369-06:00january observations.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p4tcK7Z4SSU/Utv2G65niiI/AAAAAAAAKJw/SD0mN0tIC64/s1600/IMG_2802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p4tcK7Z4SSU/Utv2G65niiI/AAAAAAAAKJw/SD0mN0tIC64/s800/IMG_2802.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YupAbuTUqgI/Utv2G3KfkWI/AAAAAAAAKJ0/Ee1Ys9L-Jyo/s1600/IMG_2856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YupAbuTUqgI/Utv2G3KfkWI/AAAAAAAAKJ0/Ee1Ys9L-Jyo/s800/IMG_2856.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SPCDUjF7f6E/Utv2MixHiCI/AAAAAAAAKKQ/6iO_WejG6xE/s1600/IMG_2857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SPCDUjF7f6E/Utv2MixHiCI/AAAAAAAAKKQ/6iO_WejG6xE/s800/IMG_2857.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QtvVHwGjyvo/Utv2Kvag1nI/AAAAAAAAKKE/bRdROCIEGUY/s1600/IMG_2865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QtvVHwGjyvo/Utv2Kvag1nI/AAAAAAAAKKE/bRdROCIEGUY/s800/IMG_2865.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6AJoT_tv71g/Utv2OCSaZyI/AAAAAAAAKKU/XzmnN5RNsmw/s1600/IMG_2875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6AJoT_tv71g/Utv2OCSaZyI/AAAAAAAAKKU/XzmnN5RNsmw/s800/IMG_2875.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fYlb5d0dt-4/Utv2OCJbWFI/AAAAAAAAKKY/p5D_VgF3ED0/s1600/IMG_2931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fYlb5d0dt-4/Utv2OCJbWFI/AAAAAAAAKKY/p5D_VgF3ED0/s800/IMG_2931.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-emrgF3BUjFA/Utv2Q6mLEFI/AAAAAAAAKKo/GU8FwGUumr4/s1600/IMG_2932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-emrgF3BUjFA/Utv2Q6mLEFI/AAAAAAAAKKo/GU8FwGUumr4/s800/IMG_2932.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />here we are at january 19th already.<br />january is always a blur.<br />the hoopla of the holidays is behind us and i think we all crave the stillness and pause of january.<br />the kids are getting back into the swing of things and i've welcomed routine back into our home with open arms.<br />except for homework.<br />homework is never welcomed with open arms.<br />ever.<br />i digress.<br />i'm kinda in the mood for writing a list of all my january daily notes so here goes:<br /><br />--all three kids brought home great report cards. &nbsp;i'm so proud of them.<br /><br />--anna has been having some emotional outbursts lately. &nbsp;either she's jealous of the boys, or seeking attention, or both. &nbsp;i have a feeling her hormones are going wild. &nbsp;i don't know how mothers with lots of daughters handle it. &nbsp;(i'm talking to you, danielle farley!)<br /><br />--i would pay someone to trim ben's finger and toenails. &nbsp;i have done it for almost seven years now and i've finally had enough. &nbsp;i'm sourcing it out. &nbsp;interested parties apply within.<br /><br />--josh and john are twins. &nbsp;it's terrifying at times. &nbsp;and wonderful at other times. &nbsp;but mostly terrifying.<br /><br />--i'm freezing. &nbsp;i'm counting down the days until spring rolls in. &nbsp;winter is not my favorite.<br /><br />--i was on pinterest the other day and i was loving every single thing on there. &nbsp;i even said out loud "this is the best pinterest board ever! &nbsp;i love it all!" &nbsp;and then i realized i was on my own pinterest board. &nbsp;i'm a dork.<br /><br />--is blogging over? &nbsp;i notice less and less blogs still going strong. &nbsp;that makes me feel so sad. &nbsp;but here are a few of my favorites lately, all new to me, very different and very, very beautiful:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.thebeetleshack.com/" target="_blank">the beetle shack</a><br /><a href="http://www.hearthandmade.co.uk/" target="_blank">heart handmade</a><br /><a href="http://choosingtobethelight.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">shine</a><br /><a href="http://meandalice.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">me and alice</a><br /><a href="http://www.thenatos.com/" target="_blank">hello from the natos</a><br /><br />--i have found myself in situation after situation, over the past year or so, where i just can't imagine getting through things without help from the Lord. &nbsp;nothing in my own simple mind can make sense of things without Him. &nbsp;i think about times in my life where i sinned, failed, made terrible choices, etc. and in each situation, i felt like i was in control. &nbsp;so foolish. &nbsp;now i feel like i am never in control, that nothing is ever possible without God. &nbsp;and there is a peace that comes over me like i've never known. &nbsp;and this peace is grace. &nbsp;maybe i'm just now getting it, but man, I GET IT. &nbsp;and it is such relief.<br /><br />--i love lists. &nbsp;they make me happy. <br /><br />that is all for today.<br />c'mon spring.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />amy jupinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03950664598348845531noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743228979051687756.post-3776257969483058812013-12-24T21:45:00.001-06:002013-12-24T21:45:22.516-06:00a very merry christmas to you!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BjyaKSS5v6s/UrpUkF4smDI/AAAAAAAAKJA/O7JKCo6nV5Y/s1600/printable-christmas-cards-vintage-starlight-manger-child.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BjyaKSS5v6s/UrpUkF4smDI/AAAAAAAAKJA/O7JKCo6nV5Y/s640/printable-christmas-cards-vintage-starlight-manger-child.jpg" /></a></div><br />amy jupinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03950664598348845531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743228979051687756.post-63910620578692308152013-12-13T07:38:00.001-06:002013-12-13T07:38:22.914-06:00our holiday home.<div style="text-align: center;">i know i haven't been very good about blogging lately.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">and i know that most of you guys have given up on my lazy bones, and moved on, you know, to other blogs where people actually BLOG.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">what a concept!&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">anyways…i did it.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">i blogged.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">but not here.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">way too expected! haha.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">i blogged over at <a href="http://lifemadelovely-blog.com/">heather's amazing blog</a> as a part of her holiday home made lovely series.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">i shared a little bit of <a href="http://lifemadelovely-blog.com/2013/12/13/amys-holiday-home-made-lovely/">our home all ready for christmas</a>.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">if y'all are so inclined, hop on over and check it out.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;here's a little sneaky peeky for those that need tempting!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">(hey, look, i'm in the microwave!)<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29977766@N02/11345297565/" title="Untitled by jupemommy, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="800" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7339/11345297565_febe28db5e_c.jpg" width="531" /></a>&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29977766@N02/11327460815/" title="Untitled by jupemommy, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="800" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7308/11327460815_8379ec55b9_c.jpg" width="531" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29977766@N02/11327512376/" title="Untitled by jupemommy, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="800" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5477/11327512376_d06e9e2c0c_c.jpg" width="531" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29977766@N02/11327508316/" title="Untitled by jupemommy, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="800" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3697/11327508316_0f48b04af5_c.jpg" width="531" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br />see ya there!&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">kiss kiss!</div>amy jupinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03950664598348845531noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743228979051687756.post-75726480598875007612013-10-31T18:00:00.001-05:002013-10-31T18:00:29.531-05:00halloween 2013.i love halloween.<br />i especially love dark, stormy, windy, creepy halloweens.<br />and that's just what we got this year.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLclGEjGdjM/UnLeveDVEeI/AAAAAAAAKIE/5-IvxipxG8k/s1600/DSC_8232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLclGEjGdjM/UnLeveDVEeI/AAAAAAAAKIE/5-IvxipxG8k/s800/DSC_8232.JPG" /></a></div><br />ben was a football player, anna was a ninja, and josh was phil from duck dynasty.<br />it was our most laid back and low key halloween ever--a blessing in itself but also a sign that my kiddos are getting older.<br />sniff sniff.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9tB5AAohmT8/UnLfCFJFktI/AAAAAAAAKIM/xYKamiPhNys/s1600/DSC_8242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9tB5AAohmT8/UnLfCFJFktI/AAAAAAAAKIM/xYKamiPhNys/s800/DSC_8242.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-35dWq1UPgiI/UnLfIRxGCMI/AAAAAAAAKIc/dbNN2yUQpc4/s1600/DSC_8248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-35dWq1UPgiI/UnLfIRxGCMI/AAAAAAAAKIc/dbNN2yUQpc4/s800/DSC_8248.jpg" /></a>&nbsp;</div><br />we hit the streets early, a little after five o'clock, ben running ahead of everyone and laughing the whole way.<br />he was truly happy, sincerely and utterly full of happiness, and his happiness had us all laughing.<br />the big kids were full of excitement, josh even asking, "why would ANYONE be too old to trick or treat? &nbsp;it's free candy!"<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bPbajNZYTiE/UnLfDsbR8aI/AAAAAAAAKIU/MGbjS5Fzel4/s1600/DSC_8255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bPbajNZYTiE/UnLfDsbR8aI/AAAAAAAAKIU/MGbjS5Fzel4/s800/DSC_8255.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U9mGMAeUwtw/UnLfLiNqkbI/AAAAAAAAKIs/3wD2_5vmjks/s1600/DSC_8274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U9mGMAeUwtw/UnLfLiNqkbI/AAAAAAAAKIs/3wD2_5vmjks/s800/DSC_8274.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>i'm at home, watching the news, nibbling mini dark chocolate milky ways, and awaiting their return.<br />oh i know, when they all get home, wet costumes will be thrown about, candy dumped on the living room floor, and the kiddos chatting a million miles a minute.<br /><span style="font-size: large;">i can't wait.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhQvE8BRTYk/UnLfKv59EcI/AAAAAAAAKIk/ZdfShMDuBJU/s1600/DSC_8271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhQvE8BRTYk/UnLfKv59EcI/AAAAAAAAKIk/ZdfShMDuBJU/s800/DSC_8271.JPG" /></a></div><br />amy jupinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03950664598348845531noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743228979051687756.post-35445603891055109872013-10-26T11:22:00.002-05:002013-10-26T11:22:49.808-05:00our life. today.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wp6N3vQf6Qw/UmvpCPZrLQI/AAAAAAAAKHk/Tezpkb_AQPY/s1600/DSC_7805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wp6N3vQf6Qw/UmvpCPZrLQI/AAAAAAAAKHk/Tezpkb_AQPY/s800/DSC_7805.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I6ubbO_4pok/UmvldT5wk8I/AAAAAAAAKHE/wUb4fOvpWog/s1600/IMG_2645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I6ubbO_4pok/UmvldT5wk8I/AAAAAAAAKHE/wUb4fOvpWog/s640/IMG_2645.JPG" /></a></div><br />ben is obsessed with the gummi bear song on youtube.<br />and the show pocoyo, especially the camping episode.<br />and the scene in the movie 'cars' where mater and lightning mcqueen go tractor tippin--only that one scene.<br />he can now write his name pretty well and shocked us all by writing it on my shopping list.<br />he climbs in our bed every single night and sleeps best when he's next to us.<br />to be completely honest, i love this and i hate this, at the same time.<br />i miss sleeping through the night and i miss sleeping next to john.<br />hoping this is a phase and it will pass soon!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9-nK--1CS8E/UmvlWPWykPI/AAAAAAAAKGg/fWED4-UB4yw/s1600/IMG_2550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9-nK--1CS8E/UmvlWPWykPI/AAAAAAAAKGg/fWED4-UB4yw/s800/IMG_2550.jpg" /></a></div></div><br />anna walks around the house singing the national anthem&nbsp;all the live long day.<br />"oooohh, say can you see...."<br />it's cute. <br />she's cute. <br />i love hearing her sing.<br />acting class is over so she's only taking gymnastics now.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-remUDPIo3Ic/UmvlUnzN10I/AAAAAAAAKGU/wgHJd3OOvPg/s1600/IMG_2569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-remUDPIo3Ic/UmvlUnzN10I/AAAAAAAAKGU/wgHJd3OOvPg/s800/IMG_2569.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>she hates reading but loves when i read to her.<br />we just finished "little house in the big woods" and are starting "the indian in the cupboard".<br />i love "the indian in the cupboard".<br />i read it in 4th grade too, and it has stayed with me all this time.<br />same with the book "the yearling"--i remember thinking "the yearling" seemed like such a big book for me, but i loved it so much. <br />tell me you've read both of these! &nbsp;so good.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cCSNQ8yYy8k/UmvlPe6JYAI/AAAAAAAAKGE/f-Rqel8H0js/s1600/IMG_2292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cCSNQ8yYy8k/UmvlPe6JYAI/AAAAAAAAKGE/f-Rqel8H0js/s800/IMG_2292.jpg" /></a></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--k89c5tq468/UmvlZ4XXJAI/AAAAAAAAKGo/9NXNy6YxetY/s1600/IMG_2579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--k89c5tq468/UmvlZ4XXJAI/AAAAAAAAKGo/9NXNy6YxetY/s800/IMG_2579.JPG" /></a></div><br />josh has been sick off and on all week, maybe the stomach flu.<br />he comes in our room in the middle of the night and says "help me!"<br />scares me to death.<br />but usually he just needs some tylenol and a hug.<br />i am so sad that he's going to miss his last football game today.<br />he's been running a fever all night and feels horrible.<br />i see lots of couch time, naps and snuggles today...if he'll let me. ;)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OV466JCOTD8/UmvlMiKH9oI/AAAAAAAAKF4/OLxmab9AvFc/s1600/IMG_2531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OV466JCOTD8/UmvlMiKH9oI/AAAAAAAAKF4/OLxmab9AvFc/s800/IMG_2531.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>i went to the thrift store yesterday and found some good buys.<br />i couldn't believe it, but i only bought clothes.<br />these dang kids have each grown a foot! from last year, not exaggerating, so they each need all new pants and shirts and coats.<br />ben is wearing almost all of josh's size 7 hand-me-downs.<br />anna and josh are both on the borderline where they could wear adult clothing in an extra small or a kids extra large.<br />my nine year old is wearing a girls 14-16.<br />what the what??<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YRu1R8KwUts/UmvlTy7tYWI/AAAAAAAAKGQ/I6tmSGoZVtY/s1600/IMG_2549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YRu1R8KwUts/UmvlTy7tYWI/AAAAAAAAKGQ/I6tmSGoZVtY/s800/IMG_2549.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LM6UHJxegdg/UmvlbVXDf4I/AAAAAAAAKGw/h4SpF858tuE/s1600/IMG_2571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LM6UHJxegdg/UmvlbVXDf4I/AAAAAAAAKGw/h4SpF858tuE/s800/IMG_2571.jpg" /></a></div><br />it seems like it's turned from summer to fall/winter overnight.<br />this morning there was frost everywhere and our back steps were slippery.<br />most of our plants bit the dust from the frost, and the grass is starting to turn yellow again.<br />we actually grew a few gourds in our "garden" and they are ready to cut and add to the pumpkins on the porch.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O8QGH89sMPc/Umvlb8M-pBI/AAAAAAAAKG0/k1TGKIrgNqY/s1600/IMG_2606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O8QGH89sMPc/Umvlb8M-pBI/AAAAAAAAKG0/k1TGKIrgNqY/s800/IMG_2606.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rde7_voP3Xo/UmvleeUCIXI/AAAAAAAAKHY/lGsBe0zhC-U/s1600/IMG_2624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rde7_voP3Xo/UmvleeUCIXI/AAAAAAAAKHY/lGsBe0zhC-U/s800/IMG_2624.jpg" /></a></div><br />i have been thinking about Christmas all week long--what gifts to buy, how i want to decorate, cleaning up and clearing out.<br />simplify, simplify, simplify.<br />we are only two months away. <br />sounds crazy, but i'm excited.<br /><br />amy jupinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03950664598348845531noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743228979051687756.post-15291064270438171242013-10-09T18:38:00.000-05:002013-10-09T18:38:18.853-05:00hi you. it's hump day!<div style="text-align: center;">it's been one of those days when all i want to do is be outside.</div><div style="text-align: center;">right now i'm sitting on the patio, watching ben and anna play on the trampoline.</div><div style="text-align: center;">i can hear kiddos running all over the neighborhood, playing football (where josh is), riding bikes, playing in the cul-de-sac.</div><div style="text-align: center;">it's cool outside, but still warm enough for shorts and a t-shirt.</div><div style="text-align: center;">i'm just going through some recent pics on the laptop.</div><div style="text-align: center;">and i'm kinda thinking i should have brought a cold beer out here with me...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">the tops of the trees are just starting to change colors.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2FqUkUaHxpM/UlXjqvS8JfI/AAAAAAAAKCg/8Hpy9HabrRA/s1600/DSC_8113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2FqUkUaHxpM/UlXjqvS8JfI/AAAAAAAAKCg/8Hpy9HabrRA/s800/DSC_8113.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">john has been spending a lot of his free time building a new play house/fort for the kids.</div><div style="text-align: center;">it's loosely based on <a href="http://www.thehandmadehome.net/2012/06/a-handmade-hideaway/">this design</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;">the kids are already planning their first sleep over in it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J6RMCB3Uxko/UlXjs3L4MvI/AAAAAAAAKCo/Zsl9GeAkQ1M/s1600/DSC_8116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J6RMCB3Uxko/UlXjs3L4MvI/AAAAAAAAKCo/Zsl9GeAkQ1M/s800/DSC_8116.JPG" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6XJy7tjGVUI/UlXj-PW50HI/AAAAAAAAKDQ/e0NOmUa8-X0/s1600/DSC_8132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6XJy7tjGVUI/UlXj-PW50HI/AAAAAAAAKDQ/e0NOmUa8-X0/s800/DSC_8132.JPG" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">josh and ben like to beat each other silly.</div><div style="text-align: center;">i think it's a guy thing.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lCHruXF2Q9I/UlXjeMhbmXI/AAAAAAAAKCM/ML24bB0YCCs/s1600/DSC_8103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lCHruXF2Q9I/UlXjeMhbmXI/AAAAAAAAKCM/ML24bB0YCCs/s800/DSC_8103.JPG" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NplSCgtoCxY/UlXjg8agycI/AAAAAAAAKCY/m6SVcqqs0ws/s1600/DSC_8109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NplSCgtoCxY/UlXjg8agycI/AAAAAAAAKCY/m6SVcqqs0ws/s800/DSC_8109.JPG" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">sleeping with the windows open...one of my most favorite things ever.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-opXdnAH5g1Q/UlXkQe_uSHI/AAAAAAAAKDw/o38VsS-NRmo/s1600/DSC_8146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-opXdnAH5g1Q/UlXkQe_uSHI/AAAAAAAAKDw/o38VsS-NRmo/s800/DSC_8146.JPG" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">bonnie is 16 years old.</div><div style="text-align: center;">she's starting to act senile and has terrible arthritis.</div><div style="text-align: center;">but yet she's still quick enough to catch a bird.</div><div style="text-align: center;">amazing old girl.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LGspzBlaf6o/UlXj_uwqsnI/AAAAAAAAKDY/5M_Vsvpg1aY/s1600/DSC_8142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LGspzBlaf6o/UlXj_uwqsnI/AAAAAAAAKDY/5M_Vsvpg1aY/s800/DSC_8142.JPG" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">our garden is a nothing more than a huge patch of weeds.</div><div style="text-align: center;">i can't tell you how many times i just wanted john to weed whack it.</div><div style="text-align: center;">but somehow, miraculously, there are zinnias blooming and even a few gourds.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bw74QFQp6Rk/UlXjww9cuSI/AAAAAAAAKCw/AzUV4mC-P78/s1600/DSC_8121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bw74QFQp6Rk/UlXjww9cuSI/AAAAAAAAKCw/AzUV4mC-P78/s800/DSC_8121.JPG" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-heagide9Tvw/UlXjx5oZn0I/AAAAAAAAKC4/CiwWPo1CSi4/s1600/DSC_8126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-heagide9Tvw/UlXjx5oZn0I/AAAAAAAAKC4/CiwWPo1CSi4/s800/DSC_8126.JPG" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">this boy. </div><div style="text-align: center;">he can be sweet as pie.</div><div style="text-align: center;">i treasure those moments.</div><div style="text-align: center;">some time he can be...well...nevermind.</div><div style="text-align: center;">i'm sticking with the sweet.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aqlKuHx0TXo/UlXj3DtrRbI/AAAAAAAAKDE/-qrSIgxb4fo/s1600/DSC_8136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aqlKuHx0TXo/UlXj3DtrRbI/AAAAAAAAKDE/-qrSIgxb4fo/s800/DSC_8136.JPG" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">and this girl.</div><div style="text-align: center;">oh when she tells a story, she just comes ALiVe!</div><div style="text-align: center;">this story was about an armadillo.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r7QAj4XO4cE/UlXkTzuJSRI/AAAAAAAAKD4/6JaIl_8GgkM/s1600/DSC_8151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r7QAj4XO4cE/UlXkTzuJSRI/AAAAAAAAKD4/6JaIl_8GgkM/s800/DSC_8151.JPG" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BpgQrMZ8TcQ/UlXkaqz_atI/AAAAAAAAKEI/PmPC4V_GGXU/s1600/DSC_8153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BpgQrMZ8TcQ/UlXkaqz_atI/AAAAAAAAKEI/PmPC4V_GGXU/s800/DSC_8153.JPG" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t2Nvm5DkYww/UlXkcdd-EEI/AAAAAAAAKEU/hf7vOZ8nRQU/s1600/DSC_8154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t2Nvm5DkYww/UlXkcdd-EEI/AAAAAAAAKEU/hf7vOZ8nRQU/s800/DSC_8154.JPG" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rhOEBlA5C-s/UlXkcGDlLYI/AAAAAAAAKEQ/vfVK6BsCsBw/s1600/DSC_8155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rhOEBlA5C-s/UlXkcGDlLYI/AAAAAAAAKEQ/vfVK6BsCsBw/s800/DSC_8155.JPG" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PCFuqWm7Wpc/UlXkgkH9dlI/AAAAAAAAKEk/BM_awNiWneo/s1600/DSC_8158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PCFuqWm7Wpc/UlXkgkH9dlI/AAAAAAAAKEk/BM_awNiWneo/s800/DSC_8158.JPG" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4w3Hu92rE6M/UlXkgTguDOI/AAAAAAAAKEg/gi-BjgUkLUQ/s1600/DSC_8160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4w3Hu92rE6M/UlXkgTguDOI/AAAAAAAAKEg/gi-BjgUkLUQ/s800/DSC_8160.JPG" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">and this pic?</div><div style="text-align: center;">it needs no caption whatsoever.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F_ZSvrAU6ts/UlXjdQO7X3I/AAAAAAAAKCI/0Bl81u07NB0/s1600/DSC_8093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F_ZSvrAU6ts/UlXjdQO7X3I/AAAAAAAAKCI/0Bl81u07NB0/s800/DSC_8093.JPG" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">now about that beer...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>amy jupinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03950664598348845531noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743228979051687756.post-26880928861812916232013-09-16T06:35:00.000-05:002013-09-16T06:35:00.465-05:0013 years.today we have been together 6,002 days.<br />it has been exactly 16 years, 5 months and 5 days since we first kissed.<br />sweetie, can you believe it's been 837 weeks since that party in my apartment in penn towers?<br />i can't believe it either.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_H04flsH6ns/UjTyKupwE7I/AAAAAAAAKBY/R03NEapjp80/s1600/photo-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_H04flsH6ns/UjTyKupwE7I/AAAAAAAAKBY/R03NEapjp80/s640/photo-4.JPG" /></a></div>you look a bit like a creeper in this pic.<br />i'm totally tanner than you. <br />and your braces!<br />maybe we had a tad bit too much to drink that night.<br />oh well. &nbsp;today we have been married for 13 years.<br /><br />it hasn't always been easy.<br />it hasn't always been carefree.<br />there have been many bumps in our long and winding road.<br />many, many tears have been shed and <i>i'm sorrys</i> said.<br />but there sure has been a whole lot of love,&nbsp;a whole lot of laughter and happiness, and the best part, a whole lot of <i>we're in this togethers.</i><br /><i><br /></i>i love you.<br />it will always be you.<br />now, let's eat some KFC.<br />i'm starving.<br /><br />happy anniversary to the nicest boy i know.<br />p.s. i'm still crazy about your neck. ;)<br /><br /><br />amy jupinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03950664598348845531noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743228979051687756.post-90675475219519430532013-08-29T19:53:00.002-05:002013-08-29T19:53:34.948-05:00what now?today i googled "how to move on after a failed adoption."<br />that's where i am,&nbsp;staring down those words on my computer screen... <i>failed adoption</i>.<br />i am struggling to move on, to move forward, to figure out...what now?<br /><br />i still have adoption in my heart.<br />this is a fact.<br />i have contacted an agency that deals with another country.<br />i have reviewed several files, wide-eyed and with as much of an open heart that i can muster.<br />i took my time, prayed hard, and still felt like i couldn't breathe while trying to imagine these children in our family.<br />i'm not ready for that.<br />i'm not ready just yet.<br /><br />i would give anything, ANYthing, to be able to adopt davis.<br />this is a fact too.<br />if i ever had a doubt before, if i ever, even once, second-guessed whether we could do it, if he would fit, if pursuing him was the best thing for our family, i can tell you confidently that those thoughts never had a chance.<br />john and i love him as our own child, as if he was formed in my womb, and born into our family.<br />he is perfect.<br />he is beautiful.<br />he is worth everything.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WisZwdSE1Yg/Uh_spRSc-4I/AAAAAAAAKAg/fG-H27pwpmU/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WisZwdSE1Yg/Uh_spRSc-4I/AAAAAAAAKAg/fG-H27pwpmU/s800/5.jpg" /></a></div><br />and i can also reaffirm that the Lord was with us every step of the way.<br />i never, as long as i have lived, never, have felt as close to God as i did sitting in a little orphanage in a remote part of russia, holding my lonely, scared child.<br />He was there with me.<br />and Happiness and Love and Joy and Hope were there too.<br />it was an experience filled with beauty, one that i will never forget, for all of my days.<br /><br />so if things were so right and i was willing to do whatever it took, what happened?<br />why didn't things go the way we expected or hoped?<br />i don't think that's something we will ever know.<br />how long do you wait until you say "ok, i have to stop making this the center of my life. i did all you could. &nbsp;this isn't my fault. &nbsp;i did it all. &nbsp;i have to keep living. &nbsp;move on, already!"??<br />i wish i knew the answer.<br />this is way more complicated than i could have ever imagined.<br />love is a messy, complex thing.<br /><br />i have days of semi-normalcy and nights of worry.<br />i have moments when i feel helpless and moments when i feel angry.<br />but mostly, i'm just sad.<br />and maybe it's not just sad for me--although there have been some <i>epic</i> pity-parties, let me tell you--<br />i'm sad for davis, for sergey, for isaac, for elden, for anya, for artem, for all of the thousands of children who have no choice and no chance.<br />i'm sad for the politicians who don't care, who never did and never will; for the other families who were in this fight beside me who are hurting too.<br /><br />i'm letting this post get away from me.<br />i really wrote this post because i wanted to say <b>thank you</b>.<br />thank you for donating to our fund, for blogging about our boy, for checking in on us and for offering words of encouragement throughout these long two (almost three) years.<br />thank you for praying for us and for keeping davis in your thoughts and prayers.<br />thank you for listening to me rant about russians and orphans and down syndrome and adoption and all kinds of uncomfortable stuff.<br />thank you for EVERYthing.<br />i love and appreciate each one of you.<br /><br />we are taking things slow.<br />we are working through all of this and treading ever so carefully towards a new normal.<br />our God is still here, as He always is, comforting us and loving us.<br />we are healing.<br />xo.<br /><br /><br /><br />amy jupinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03950664598348845531noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743228979051687756.post-77476137593587958052013-08-27T18:24:00.002-05:002013-08-27T18:24:42.867-05:00things that make me happy.-the way my mom says "later" when we hang up the phone.<br />-when ben says "shoo-wee!!" every time he farts.<br />-when josh asks me tuck him in at night.<br />-hearing john say "love you baby" at the end of each phone call.<br />-when blythe texts me for decorating advice.<br />-my office coffee club.<br />-dark chocolate espresso bits.<br />-gap pajama bottoms.<br />-handmade lemon sorbet lip balm.<br />-anna's new acting class.<br />-when ben holds his puppy dog stuffed animal and pretends it is licking my face.<br />-pink geraniums.<br />-dolphins swimming near our dock.<br />-the way my dad misses ben when he's at school.<br />-watching josh make a big run during a football game.<br />-reading the book kisses from katie and feeling like love is everything.<br />-when anna takes pictures.<br />-talking to tricia all morning long.<br />-when ben brings home school work and his smiles while i gush over it.<br />-no homework.<br />-cool, crisp mornings.<br />-clean sheets and a stack of books next to my bed.<br />-knowing that i made a friend smile by writing something mushy about her on fb.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TlfQYLvxEJk/Uh007syOIqI/AAAAAAAAKAQ/es6RDPhCj-E/s1600/photo-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TlfQYLvxEJk/Uh007syOIqI/AAAAAAAAKAQ/es6RDPhCj-E/s800/photo-1.JPG" /></a></div><br />these little things...they all add up.<br />happiness is all around us.<br />notice it.<br />look for it.<br />make a list if you need to.<br />even in our darkest days, happiness is close by.<br /><br />amy jupinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03950664598348845531noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743228979051687756.post-42828701515341408832013-07-20T18:54:00.000-05:002013-07-20T18:54:12.936-05:00july. marching on.<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B3YzieHpaNc/Uesf0NUVNEI/AAAAAAAAJ9M/VDLF3j2RScM/s1600/1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B3YzieHpaNc/Uesf0NUVNEI/AAAAAAAAJ9M/VDLF3j2RScM/s800/1.JPG" /></a>&nbsp;</div><br />this is hard.<br />i want to keep on blogging but it feels forced and uncomfortable.<br />i wish things were different, that davis was home, that it all worked out and i could write to you all exclaiming the happy news and&nbsp;we could move on happily and easily.<br />and the writing would feel easy and sharing my thoughts would come freely and openly, like they used to. <br />but sometimes life isn't easy, is it?<br />and neither is writing.<br />but i'm not ready to give up just yet.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eiBozyS6smI/Uesf2Ao0rOI/AAAAAAAAJ9c/j_5kOrUlYYQ/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eiBozyS6smI/Uesf2Ao0rOI/AAAAAAAAJ9c/j_5kOrUlYYQ/s800/2.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xgb6gaAwQHU/Uesf4LvqPbI/AAAAAAAAJ98/11r5eE2fN7w/s1600/6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LtX8jaSK5RQ/Uesf0j5UuSI/AAAAAAAAJ9Q/tz69FNrQLG8/s1600/10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />&nbsp;time is certainly helping.<br />it is a healer of sorts, time is, helping me forget the painful details and move forward with the other things that need my focus.<br />time&nbsp;marches forward like a soldier, on to the next orders, the next demand, on to the next day, never looking back.<br />it is relentless.<br /><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1hl20JeV63E/Uesf2CotY1I/AAAAAAAAJ9k/vQJLAewjDeE/s1600/4.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1hl20JeV63E/Uesf2CotY1I/AAAAAAAAJ9k/vQJLAewjDeE/s800/4.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y2H1d67x1cs/Uesf2DVJ9CI/AAAAAAAAJ9g/GWOg9WupPaw/s1600/3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y2H1d67x1cs/Uesf2DVJ9CI/AAAAAAAAJ9g/GWOg9WupPaw/s800/3.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>i have no idea how it is nearing the end of july already.<br />wasn't it just may?<br />nevertheless, we are gearing up for the start of school and the return of a more structured schedule.<br />new backpacks showed up in my mailbox this week and football cleats are tops on the to-do list.<br />practices are starting, back to school emails floating, summer reading books started.<br />it'll be here before you know it.<br />before i know it.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mfEVkLAlsUg/Uesf33XwCAI/AAAAAAAAJ90/QYDpQREoMZA/s1600/5.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mfEVkLAlsUg/Uesf33XwCAI/AAAAAAAAJ90/QYDpQREoMZA/s800/5.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xgb6gaAwQHU/Uesf4LvqPbI/AAAAAAAAJ98/11r5eE2fN7w/s1600/6.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xgb6gaAwQHU/Uesf4LvqPbI/AAAAAAAAJ98/11r5eE2fN7w/s800/6.JPG" /></a> </div><br />we escaped to the gulf again last weekend.<br />we are madly in love with our home and our dock and all of it.<br />truth:&nbsp; i have never felt relaxed on vacation before.&nbsp; <br />sad, but true.<br />i am a homebody and maybe a clean freak, i don't know.<br />but having my own place, my own bed, my own sofa, my own silverware...it just helps calm me.<br />and i can enjoy the house and the beach like i haven't ever been able to before, surrounded by our own stuff.<br />it's very much an awesome thing.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lZxXxmeFqfk/Uesf4MzBtoI/AAAAAAAAJ-A/FEIk4-CucpE/s1600/7.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lZxXxmeFqfk/Uesf4MzBtoI/AAAAAAAAJ-A/FEIk4-CucpE/s800/7.JPG" /></a></div><br />at the beach house, i changed out a few plates, hung up a new piece of art and even made plans to revamp our outside shower.&nbsp; <br />it's like the old me is still in there, slowly working her way back to the surface for a breath or two.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rS1dL9PXX30/Uesf4_YKrsI/AAAAAAAAJ-M/EGix5QlgyRM/s1600/8.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rS1dL9PXX30/Uesf4_YKrsI/AAAAAAAAJ-M/EGix5QlgyRM/s800/8.JPG" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lZxXxmeFqfk/Uesf4MzBtoI/AAAAAAAAJ-A/FEIk4-CucpE/s1600/7.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />back at our regular ol' house, i am working on changing our bedroom.<br />we painted (my mother's day gift), i bought a few new pillow shams, a new (very old) painting, curtains, etc.<br />it's coming together and i think i like it.<br />furniture is soooo expensive.<br />pisses me off actually.<br />so i can only change the cheap stuff but it does make a big difference.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7h2YcD6ypg4/Uesf5eyeWFI/AAAAAAAAJ-U/X-6h2DVfe-M/s1600/9.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7h2YcD6ypg4/Uesf5eyeWFI/AAAAAAAAJ-U/X-6h2DVfe-M/s800/9.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LtX8jaSK5RQ/Uesf0j5UuSI/AAAAAAAAJ9Q/tz69FNrQLG8/s1600/10.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LtX8jaSK5RQ/Uesf0j5UuSI/AAAAAAAAJ9Q/tz69FNrQLG8/s800/10.JPG" /></a> </div><br />josh is becoming quite the fisherman.<br />he lives, eats, breathes, fishing.<br />it's awesome.<br />anna is into bracelet making and drawing and painting and front handsprings.<br />it's awesome too.<br />ben is into dancing and jumping and running and basketball and baseball and volley ball and swimming and...it's tiring.<br />but awesome.<br /><br />we are good.<br />we are still here and all is well.<br />i've missed this place.<br />i've missed my blog friends.<br />it's nice to see you again.<br />:)<br /><br />amy jupinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03950664598348845531noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743228979051687756.post-47178223184722515602013-06-03T17:05:00.000-05:002013-06-03T17:05:15.438-05:00happenings...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hSNHbhlsFvk/Ua0MuSUf5aI/AAAAAAAAJ8E/Rkns10joqJA/s1600/pic5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hSNHbhlsFvk/Ua0MuSUf5aI/AAAAAAAAJ8E/Rkns10joqJA/s800/pic5.JPG" /></a></div><br />we went to the beach.<br />we ate lots of good food and drank "jersey specials."<br />the water was warm (around 81-82 degrees) but still a little bit too chilly for me to swim.<br />didn't stop the kids one bit.<br />ben swallowed so much salt water he actually got sick.<br />even then, he wanted to swim some more.<br />the big kids are so much bigger this year.<br />they are such good kids.&nbsp; i should tell them that more often.<br />josh must have caught 30 fish.<br />anna caught around five, and one time she caught two on the same line.<br />the house is a dream and we love it.&nbsp; all of us. <br />can't wait to go back soon. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xTnT8HUzYrU/Ua0ORc-QhuI/AAAAAAAAJ8U/uRgsJpHrB_c/s1600/pic6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xTnT8HUzYrU/Ua0ORc-QhuI/AAAAAAAAJ8U/uRgsJpHrB_c/s800/pic6.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oh4RRJ8AIFo/Ua0MtsAiZHI/AAAAAAAAJ70/HjPXY9VLLQU/s1600/pic1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oh4RRJ8AIFo/Ua0MtsAiZHI/AAAAAAAAJ70/HjPXY9VLLQU/s800/pic1.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R82648zb8v0/Ua0Mtd3mP7I/AAAAAAAAJ7s/fQVdZu4ZI3c/s1600/pic2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R82648zb8v0/Ua0Mtd3mP7I/AAAAAAAAJ7s/fQVdZu4ZI3c/s800/pic2.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />nana and pop are watching the kids during the day.<br />the kiddos are settling into summer well...lazy days watching tv, video games, playing on the ipad.<br />too much screen time.<br />time for mom's summer reading list!<br />any good book suggestions for a sixth grade boy and a fourth grade girl?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Iq4PNMvsUAk/Ua0POjxn-aI/AAAAAAAAJ8g/4jWiJgWZ8X4/s1600/pic7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Iq4PNMvsUAk/Ua0POjxn-aI/AAAAAAAAJ8g/4jWiJgWZ8X4/s800/pic7.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-32c1mxh2ZqM/Ua0MtfQkItI/AAAAAAAAJ7o/FILHdfFsgRQ/s1600/pic3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-01swaEDqARM/Ua0MuJHnVOI/AAAAAAAAJ8A/obMXdHW7tW0/s1600/pic4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />i talked to my dear friend <a href="http://farleykids.blogspot.com/">danielle</a> today.<br />i just love her.<br />her friendship is an absolute blessing to me.<br />oh and guess what? she just bought a vintage aqua fridge to use as storage in her craft room.<br />now if that isn't awesome, i don't know what is.<br /><br />i am spending much of my free time scouring <a href="http://www.abowlfulloflemons.net/">this blog</a>.<br />the organization on here makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.<br />so much so that i spent seven hours yesterday reorganizing my kitchen cabinets.<br />true story! <br />last night i laid in bed and made a mental list of all the places in our house i want to organize now.<br />and then i cried myself to sleep because my list was too long. (just kidding) <br /><br />last thing, and maybe the best of the day, i was hysterical over <a href="http://youtu.be/5EnsjrDsVyI">this video</a> from jimmy fallon.<br />dying.<br />laughing.<br />maybe a snort or two.<br />good stuff.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/5EnsjrDsVyI?rel=0" width="640"></iframe>amy jupinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03950664598348845531noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743228979051687756.post-86822184028960345402013-05-17T13:18:00.001-05:002013-05-17T13:18:08.415-05:00march, april and may. the recap.march and april came and went.<br />ben turned SIX and we went to the beach.<br />it was chilly most of our time there but still, we were together doing practically nothing.<br />glorious.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0UF521eixdA/UZZxHCfzChI/AAAAAAAAJ6o/PZDFTNYOsXs/s1600/benbday.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0UF521eixdA/UZZxHCfzChI/AAAAAAAAJ6o/PZDFTNYOsXs/s800/benbday.JPG" /></a></div><br />josh turned ELEVEN and decided, for the first time, that he wanted one big gift instead of a birthday party. (the kids get to choose one or the other but not both)<br />he chose a paint ball gun.<br />heaven help me.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X4Yfj2-mLZE/UZZxfq15DvI/AAAAAAAAJ7Y/lbvzHHRnJbQ/s1600/joshbday.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X4Yfj2-mLZE/UZZxfq15DvI/AAAAAAAAJ7Y/lbvzHHRnJbQ/s800/joshbday.JPG" /></a><br /><br />anna turned NINE and had a sleep over.<br />only one girl stayed until morning.<br />these girls and the drama.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YpBg1wNnW3g/UZZw_Ad_2tI/AAAAAAAAJ6g/t1S0W6cIS0w/s1600/annasleepover.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YpBg1wNnW3g/UZZw_Ad_2tI/AAAAAAAAJ6g/t1S0W6cIS0w/s800/annasleepover.JPG" /></a><br /><br />josh gave up baseball and asked to play soccer instead.<br />he loves it and is learning more and more each practice.<br />it's amazing how much happier he is.<br /><br />anna is still playing softball and doing gymnastics.<br />she hit her first home run a few weeks ago, and just this week, she hit a GRAND SLAM!<br />she also learned how to do a one-handed cartwheel and a front hand spring.<br />and had some art in the art show again.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ItyqsREKW0s/UZZxajBIjoI/AAAAAAAAJ7Q/RQRhCJYm_6M/s1600/joshanna.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ItyqsREKW0s/UZZxajBIjoI/AAAAAAAAJ7Q/RQRhCJYm_6M/s800/joshanna.JPG" /></a><br /><br />ben has learned so much this year.<br />he's talking so much more and understands so much.<br />his favorite toys are a beach ball and a half of a pool noodle that he drags everywhere--our makeshift bat and ball for inside the house.<br />he can hit that ball like a champ!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-su6j66VY3mw/UZZxRPaIvhI/AAAAAAAAJ64/-0J1cGVfqe8/s1600/benplay.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-su6j66VY3mw/UZZxRPaIvhI/AAAAAAAAJ64/-0J1cGVfqe8/s800/benplay.JPG" /></a> <br /><br />he's learning to bump a volleyball and kick into a soccer goal too.<br />sitting still is not his specialty!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dcnUDvjYNRs/UZZxMNUgzZI/AAAAAAAAJ6w/UMBRYlQUX7k/s1600/benheadphones.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dcnUDvjYNRs/UZZxMNUgzZI/AAAAAAAAJ6w/UMBRYlQUX7k/s800/benheadphones.JPG" /></a><br /><br />when we were at the beach in march, we found a house on the bay that we fell in love with.<br />we have spent years dreaming about owning a place at the gulf but everything was still too expensive and out of our reach.<br />when we found this little cottage, it felt like home in so many ways that it honestly surprised me.<br />and when we couldn't get it out of our minds, we decided to take a chance.<br />we are now proud owners of a little periwinkle cottage on mobile bay.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AUD0EPaQ3bo/UZZxSJTm3eI/AAAAAAAAJ7A/c2Q4EDxJ87M/s1600/house1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AUD0EPaQ3bo/UZZxSJTm3eI/AAAAAAAAJ7A/c2Q4EDxJ87M/s800/house1.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cYGk6vAbRwI/UZZxSbIwMDI/AAAAAAAAJ7E/vKb_S_XAkZ8/s1600/house2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cYGk6vAbRwI/UZZxSbIwMDI/AAAAAAAAJ7E/vKb_S_XAkZ8/s800/house2.JPG" /></a><br /><br />yesterday was davis' SIXth birthday.<br />even though the situation with russia is still unknown, he is still so much a part of our family.<br />what i wouldn't do to be there with him.<br />i pray he was celebrated and showered with love!<br />thank you all for remembering him in your prayers. <br /><br />we are in the midst of end of the year school parties and awards ceremonies.<br />next week is the last week of school and then summer is officially here.<br />i can't wait for the slower pace and for all the activities to be over.<br />we are all craving some down time and a nice long break from all the crazy. <br />just one more week...<br /><br />amy jupinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03950664598348845531noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743228979051687756.post-19706486704010947292013-04-27T11:57:00.001-05:002013-04-27T11:57:22.284-05:00etsy shop update.i don't know if any of you still read this little blog or not...but just in case...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1rT1Abag9RI/UXwCNuSvO-I/AAAAAAAAJ5Y/XtThP0EwHhg/s1600/shopupdate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1rT1Abag9RI/UXwCNuSvO-I/AAAAAAAAJ5Y/XtThP0EwHhg/s800/shopupdate.jpg" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/coffeesisters?ref=si_shop">the shop</a> has been updated with all of my favorite fabrics.<br />it's painful to let go of some of these.<br />tears may have been shed and my stomach may be in knots.<br />but i'm trying to follow the same advice i always give my kiddos: share with your friends.<br />:)<br /><br />*****<br /><br />anna is celebrating her ninth birthday today.<br />forgive me for the short post but there is a big slice of birthday cake calling my name.<br />hooray for saturday!<br /><br />amy jupinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03950664598348845531noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743228979051687756.post-80543772153346721372013-04-25T09:52:00.002-05:002013-04-25T09:52:30.931-05:00really live.i read the news this morning and it left me sickened.<br />bombing suspects mother thinks he was framed... four jail guards impregnated by inmate...kidnapped boy freed by his mother...barge explodes killing four....<br /><br />it is so overwhelming.<br />how do we explain these things to our children?<br />how do we protect them from the horrors that are out there?<br />like the rest of the world, i'm still stunned by the boston bombings, reeling from the idea that something so celebratory could turn into something so gruesome.<br />my children are still young but old enough now to start remembering these things.<br />how will it shape them/scar them?<br /><br />my oldest asks questions daily about the bombers...why did they want to hurt us?&nbsp; why don't they like americans?&nbsp; why do they think they'll go to heaven?&nbsp; why did they hurt those people?&nbsp; <br />and the most important one of all: <span style="font-size: large;">will they try to hurt me?</span><br /><br />the only thing i can do is to redirect him to the Lord.<br />i encourage him to pray about it.<br />i encourage him to share his fears and questions with God.<br />i encourage him to continue to love others as Jesus asks us to do.<br />i encourage him to live his life without fear, to live his life as he needs to, and to live, to really truly live.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lL0WuHDNoy4/UXlCfNLhPyI/AAAAAAAAJ5I/cYouPJlsUbg/s800/beach2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" lwa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lL0WuHDNoy4/UXlCfNLhPyI/AAAAAAAAJ5I/cYouPJlsUbg/s800/beach2013.JPG" /></a></div>amy jupinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03950664598348845531noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743228979051687756.post-54974740265050062082013-04-17T20:01:00.000-05:002013-04-17T20:01:12.244-05:00spring blossoms.i've been overwhelmed by my emotions lately.<br />everywhere i look, there are signs of birth, of renewal, the beauty of an awakening.<br />spring has officially arrived here in the south.<br />and it's a down-right beautiful thing to witness. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V4v-IVeTIXY/UW9EnuMaIxI/AAAAAAAAJ3s/_1gdP0Bh5rc/s1600/spring1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V4v-IVeTIXY/UW9EnuMaIxI/AAAAAAAAJ3s/_1gdP0Bh5rc/s800/spring1.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EXiVwM9bKNE/UW9EniVOsnI/AAAAAAAAJ3o/RNpYAxR4ZMk/s1600/spring10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EXiVwM9bKNE/UW9EniVOsnI/AAAAAAAAJ3o/RNpYAxR4ZMk/s800/spring10.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g_cI1gnOr_M/UW9Eo7YElxI/AAAAAAAAJ34/eTziJptIQzA/s1600/spring11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g_cI1gnOr_M/UW9Eo7YElxI/AAAAAAAAJ34/eTziJptIQzA/s800/spring11.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ns5Jz2eGo9M/UW9Ep4VQe2I/AAAAAAAAJ4A/tDzc_KhijVs/s1600/spring2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ns5Jz2eGo9M/UW9Ep4VQe2I/AAAAAAAAJ4A/tDzc_KhijVs/s800/spring2.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YxD2Ekjt1Mo/UW9Epzq7IrI/AAAAAAAAJ4E/BSr1WjL-U1M/s1600/spring3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YxD2Ekjt1Mo/UW9Epzq7IrI/AAAAAAAAJ4E/BSr1WjL-U1M/s800/spring3.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ANYbKu2gvks/UW9EqEG5FSI/AAAAAAAAJ4M/tdo0EPy4FFM/s1600/spring4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ANYbKu2gvks/UW9EqEG5FSI/AAAAAAAAJ4M/tdo0EPy4FFM/s800/spring4.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L0aq9mf1JSM/UW9Erqzv--I/AAAAAAAAJ4c/cjzoaGL2RXY/s1600/spring5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L0aq9mf1JSM/UW9Erqzv--I/AAAAAAAAJ4c/cjzoaGL2RXY/s800/spring5.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x83qF6BbriQ/UW9ErgXW4-I/AAAAAAAAJ4Y/0RaBZ4whf6k/s1600/spring6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x83qF6BbriQ/UW9ErgXW4-I/AAAAAAAAJ4Y/0RaBZ4whf6k/s800/spring6.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rgd16bnpAfI/UW9EsHOm5JI/AAAAAAAAJ4k/mmS41uWKsT0/s1600/spring7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rgd16bnpAfI/UW9EsHOm5JI/AAAAAAAAJ4k/mmS41uWKsT0/s800/spring7.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5bt190-4oFY/UW9EtQiG-kI/AAAAAAAAJ4w/2ZPyJ_UJ5NE/s1600/spring8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5bt190-4oFY/UW9EtQiG-kI/AAAAAAAAJ4w/2ZPyJ_UJ5NE/s800/spring8.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C2EKqEbtj3I/UW9Ett0XDyI/AAAAAAAAJ44/EnwieHkV_Ik/s1600/spring9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C2EKqEbtj3I/UW9Ett0XDyI/AAAAAAAAJ44/EnwieHkV_Ik/s800/spring9.jpg" /></a></div><br />i guess i've always been too preoccupied to notice before, but i am so acutely aware of it now. <br />and maybe i've even fallen in love with spring in a way i never had before.<br />fall is still my favorite but spring is very close second.<br />the cherry blossoms alone may have clinched the deal.<br /><br /><br />amy jupinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03950664598348845531noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743228979051687756.post-62995404147921793972013-04-16T18:42:00.003-05:002013-04-16T18:42:52.118-05:00prayer request.today was a longggggg day.<br />work was yucky. <br />i sat in a crazy meeting that made me feel...beat down and exhausted.<br />the traffic coming home was horrendous.<br />my car's air conditioner is still not working.<br />and, i forgot my sunglasses.<br /><br />i came home cranky and whiny.<br />i didn't thank my parents for watching my kids.<br />i didn't thank john for taking anna to softball.<br />i didn't even notice that my dishwasher had been unloaded and my house vacuumed.<br />instead, i complained about my day and whined about how much i hate my job.<br /><br />i'm a total brat.<br />and i'm sorry.<br />mom, dad, john, kids, i'm sorry for acting like that.<br />there are MUCH bigger things to worry about than an awful meeting and a bad day.<br /><br /><br />in fact, tomorrow members of several russian agencies are going to meet with the u.s. dept of state and other folks to discuss the adoption ban.<br />they will be talking about the details, the families, the children, the policies put in place to deny the children the opportunity to be adopted by americans.<br />this is BIG.<br /><br />i have been praying for this meeting since january!<br />will you please join in me prayer tomorrow and thursday too?<br />please pray for hearts to soften, for action to be taken, for the families in progress to be allowed to continue, for the children to be freed!<br /><br />this may be our last hope.<br /><br /><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wSBjQ4mo6DU/UNCnLRx_wAI/AAAAAAAAJgQ/ZehC3udseLw/s800/7.jpg" /> <br /><br />love to you all,<br />amy<br /><br />amy jupinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03950664598348845531noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743228979051687756.post-66505002796926690062013-04-13T07:11:00.002-05:002013-04-13T07:11:58.489-05:00i'm here. still kickin.i sit here in the quiet of my dark house.<br />the sun is just now starting to make its way above the horizon in the eastern sky.<br />my people are still in their beds, every once in a while i hear someone shuffle around in their covers.<br />i just brewed a cup of coffee in my favorite black and white polka dot mug.<br />this lonely computer now feels like a stranger to me.<br />we rarely visit one another lately and i feel rather sad about that.<br /><br />truth is i'm doing ok.<br />we are all so busy with the day-to-day stuff that makes up our lives.<br />work, homework, practices, projects, plans...you know it all well.<br />for me there's also a lot of praying and clinging and hoping thrown in there too--i'm still trying to do the best i can with this parenting thing.<br />the kids are getting older and that brings more and more challenges with it.<br />it's a struggle some days...and really and truly that's a huge understatement!<br /><br />buck's up.&nbsp; he just gave me a wet, stinky breathed lick on my hand.<br />he loves me.<br />he doesn't care that i haven't brushed my teeth and my hair is in a ratty bun on top of my head.<br />he doesn't mind my hulk hogan style sweatshirt and yesterday's mascara under my eyes.<br />he's pretty darn awesome like that.<br />i think he deserves a treat. :)<br /><br />where was i...oh, yes, parenting.<br />so hard.<br />you know it well too, i'm sure.<br /><br />then there's my little one across the sea.<br />reports from the orphanage are that he's doing well, walking better and even feeding himself now!<br />cause for celebration!<br />just wish, with all my momma heart, that we could be celebrating here together!<br />this week coming up is a big one.<br />wednesday and thursday russian officials are traveling her to talk to the US Dept of State and Citizenship and Immigration folks about the ban.<br />if you can, please pray for a miracle!<br />please pray for hearts to be changed and the gates to be opened so these children can be freed!<br />very important meeting to say the least.<br /><br />oh, here comes ben.<br />i can hear him yawning at the top of the stairs.<br />yep, he's now climbing up on sofa and snuggling with me.<br />this boy, man alive.&nbsp; he's just the greatest.<br />i know i say that all the time but he really is.<br />i just love him so much it's ridiculous.<br /><br />did you know that ben turned SIX last month?<br />he sure did.<br />AND he blew out his candles on his birthday cake!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sxdIE34V7Vc/UWlKqaxQjWI/AAAAAAAAJ3M/YTc1_X2FmR4/s1600/benbday2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sxdIE34V7Vc/UWlKqaxQjWI/AAAAAAAAJ3M/YTc1_X2FmR4/s640/benbday2.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qNmKi2YmpHE/UWlKtGtjaMI/AAAAAAAAJ3U/XalG0rvVRXc/s1600/benbday1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qNmKi2YmpHE/UWlKtGtjaMI/AAAAAAAAJ3U/XalG0rvVRXc/s640/benbday1.JPG" /></a></div><br />more soon.<br />promise.<br />(thanks melissa and poppy for reminding me that blogging is important too.)<br /><br />i gotta run.<br />time to get dressed and meet up with nana for some yardsale-ing.<br />hoping for some great finds and hoping each of you have a wonderful weekend.<br />xo.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />amy jupinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03950664598348845531noreply@blogger.com7